Swell and river current introduction
Helping you adapt to strong wind and big swells on a small board.
Advanced sailing locations in The Gorge are so different from ocean and lake sailing that experienced sailors from all over the world can get frustrated. I will explain the action of the current, the problems caused by the current, and the solutions that change these problems into assets. I will sail with you and help you adapt the skills you have learned in other places to Gorge conditions. The swells of the Columbia River can become a waterscape with ramps, slides and big bowls begging to be cut up. The swells can be very intimidating to first-timers but a few hours of good sailing experience can go a long way to enjoying The Gorge. |
Short board sailing
You will be comfortable and in control sailing a small board much
sooner with some help on your sailing stance and balance. The small boards are very sensitive to weight distribution, harness position, and foot pressure. By sailing with you I can identify weaknesses and help you get into a balanced position that is comfortable and secure. Once you feel the power and control you get from a good body position you will understand
why some sailors don't seem to get tired.
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High wind control
Learn to focus the energy and center your mass to be comfortable with more power. The strong winds of The Gorge make this the ideal location
to work on sailing with more power. Learn to gather the force of the
wind through your rig and harness and focus it to drive the board forward. With a well balanced rig and proper body position you can sail much longer before getting tired. This experience will also allow you to carry more sail. |
Short board jibing
Learning to jibe a short board will keep you sailing instead of swimming. Jibing a small board requires board speed and sailor quickness.
My short board jibe simulator has been custom designed to give you the feel of a planing jibe, letting you put together the explanation and the feel. Practicing the motion on the simulator on land first, allows you to act instead think when you attempt the jibe on the water. A clear understanding of how the jibe should work will allow you to adjust to different situations and correct your mistakes. We can also work on learning to turn on the swells. Jibing on swells can be easier than jibing on flat water since you can slide down the face of the swell to maintain your board speed through the turn. |
Controlled flight
Adjustments to your takeoff and flight position can help
you enjoy longer jumps and softer landings.
We will work on identifying the good ramps, building speed and
moving your weight over the board to create a fast stable launch position, and using
the waves as ramps to adjust the takeoff angle. Once you start launching in control we will work
on sustaining flight and flaring your landings. Good soft landings will allow you to
jump high without fear of breaking equipment or bones. |
